The Memetune Annual 2024

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Available now from the Memetune Bandcamp merch page - a very limited run of BOTH Annuals (2023 and the new 2024 edition) at a special price!

https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/merch...

The new Annual is also released today:

https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/merch...

The second edition of the Memetune Programme Annual - for the year 2024

Hardback book (A4 size) with 74 full colour pages and download code for the accompanying music album

Based on the second season of Benge's unique 6 part TV series focussing on his passion for vintage synths, studio gear and video production equipment

The Memetune 2024 Annual follows the TV series format, broken down into the following categories:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES looks at some classic 80s and 90s rack mount synths, instruments that are often overlooked due to their utterly bland appearance. Their sounds, however, are anything but

SWITCHED ON CYBERSYNTHS features a brief history and description of abstract electronic music, in particular sounds created on modular synths, taking in randomness, chaos theory, feedback loops, nonlinear modifiers, plus stochastic and algorithmic ideas. It ends with perhaps the largest modular synth patch ever attempted, featuring 11 of the Memetune modulars containing over 430 modules

SYNTHESISER CLUB points a vintage video camera at various synthesisers and systems, and focuses on ‘families’ of synths, meaning a group of instruments made by one manufacturer in a particular time in synth history

PATCHING TODAY is a deep dive into patching on a selection of vintage modular systems, namely the Modcan A-Series (the most versatile modular ever made?), the Polyfusion 2000 (the simplest modular?), an EMS rig containing a VCS3, TKS sequencer, 8-octave filter bank and dual Synthi 100 HPF (the most English modular?), a Paia 4700 (the worst modular ever made?), the Buchla 100 (the first modular ever made?) and a hybrid Roland “green” modular system containing a modified System 100, SH5 with special modular panel and RE201 Space Echo (the ‘wonkiest’ system ever made?)

VIDEO LAB begins by presenting a short film called Proof of Hypertravel made entirely in the Lab, and then goes on to detail the lengthy process that went into making it, covering such things as Storyboarding, World-Building, Green Screening, Compositing, Special Effects, and types of vintage video cameras

There is also the Memetune Puzzle Page, the legendary Memetune Dictionary of Words, and a tour of the Memetune garden in a 1980 Lotus Esprit

The music on the download album that accompanies this annual has been selected from the second series and contains all the tracks made in the Synthesiser Club, Patching Today and Little Black Boxes sections respectively, approximately 60 minutes of original synthesiser compositions to enjoy whilst perusing the Annual

To watch the series search on YouTube for 'Memetune Programme by Benge'"

Interpreting the Synthesizer: Meaning Through Sonics - Edited by Nick Wilson

via Cambridge Scholars Publishing

"This volume examines the synthesizer’s significance for music and culture, with a range of contributors providing historical, musicological, practical and theoretical perspectives.

The synthesizer as an instrument has evolved rapidly over the last 50 years, conveying different meanings in musical culture at various times in its history. For example, post-punk and new wave acts used synths to signify their embrace of futurism and modernity. Earlier psychedelic bands used the instrument to sonically represent mind expansion while prog acts signposted their lineage to the classical avant-garde. Techno artists used synths to escape the strictures of acoustic music in parallel with rave culture’s desire for escapism from the mundanity of daily existence. It is now seemingly ubiquitous in modern pop music production."

The essays were originally presented at a 'Synthposium' conference Nick Wilson ran in Melbourne, Australia. You can find more info on the conference at https://synthposium.net/.

Nick Wilson is a supporting member of the site.

TMU Press Allen Strange's Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, and Controls

In case you missed your chance to grab a copy during the 2022 Kickstarter, CONTROL is currently taking pre orders for the book here.

"With a new introduction by Stephen C. Ruppenthal, as well as a few pages of testimonials from people who learned from and were inspired by Electronic Music: System, Techniques and Controls, from Suzanne Ciani and Todd Barton, to Dave Smith, Dave Rossum, Serge Tcherepnin, Dieter Doepfer and Tony Rolando. The book has a new cover, compliments of Allen and Pat's daughter Erin Strange, who did a wonderful job of creating a new design that carries the spirit of the original 1972 cover into this new edition. The text of book is faithful to the second edition of Allen Strange's Electronic Music: System, Techniques and Controls, published in 1983 by Wm. C. Brown Company."

See this previous post for a video.

You can find additional posts mentioning Allen Strange here.

MODULAR COOKBOOK VOL. 1 by Omni Cohen

video upload by Omri Cohen

"Here is where you can find the book:

US \ Perfect Circuit

EU \ Schneidersladen

UK \ Signal Sounds

If you’re interested in getting a copy, but it’s sold out, please still make an order, so I know how many more copies to print and send to the shops.

If you’re just interested in the PDF version, take a look here: https://omricohen.gumroad.com/

00:00 - Introduction
00:37 - Hardware
06:27 - VCV Rack
12:42 - Bitwig"

"OMRI COHEN MODULAR COOKBOOK - VOLUME 1

Whether you're a total Eurorack beginner or a patching expert, Omri Cohen's Modular Cookbook Volume 1 is filled with 50 recipes and examples to spark inspiration on you modular synthesizer. With topics ranging from compositional approaches to sound design and beyond, Modular Cookbook suits anyone working with any sort of modular synthesizer including Eurorack, Buchla, Serge, semi-modular instruments, and even software applications like VCV Rack. With Modular Cookbook, you'll be able to explore your modules with greater depth, and you might even come out of it with new ideas and ways to use your system that you might not have considered before.

MODULAR COOKBOOK - VOLUME 1 FEATURES

Collection of patch tips and examples
50 recipes across 115 pages
Easy-to-read text accompanied with clear diagrams
Numerous examples available for VCV Rack"

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1984 The Art of Electronic Music 300pgs Bob Moog Buchla ARP Analog Synthesizers

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Scarce title. The instruments, designers, and musicians behind the artistic and popular explosion of electronic music. Compiled by Tom Darter and Edited by Greg Armbruster, with a foreword by Robert Moog. Covers many synthesizer brand names and their designers, both analog and digital: Yamaha (DX7/FM), Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, John Chowing, Don Buchla and many famous musicians like Keith Emerson, Isao Tomita, Larry Fast, Wendy Carlos, Vangelis, and many more.

Apart from a little cover wear, the book is in very good condition. Softcover, 315 pages. First edition, copyright 1984."

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Experimenting with Electronic Music Book by Robert Brown & Mark Olsen

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"1974 Experimenting with Electronic Music, 1st ed. - UK Edition

Published the very same year electro-industrial pioneers Kraftwerk released their breakthrough album "Autobahn," here's a wonderful, rare book covering virtually everything you ever wanted to know about music synthesis and reproduction. Within its pages is an overview of the history of electronic music, from RCA's tube-based Mark I to modern solid-state synthesizers, with photos of the Minimoog and the Moog Sonic Six, as well as the Tonus ARP 2500, 2600, and Soloist consoles. For you tinkerers out there, the book also contains numerous construction projects, including two (2) separate transistorized theremins complete with detailed alignment instructions. All projects come ready-to-build with full schematics and parts lists. The table of contents is at the bottom of the listing.

Apart from some age-toning, the book is in very good condition. Softcover, 180 pages. First edition, copyright 1974. This item ships WORLDWIDE."

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Easel Chapter - Modular Synthesis: Patching Machines and People

video upload by Todd Barton

"Every Buchlaphile and especially Easel owners must read this enlightening and exciting chapter by Ted Gordon @ted_gordon on Instagram
https://www.routledge.com/Modular-Syn..."

"Modular Synthesis: Patching Machines and People brings together scholars, artists, composers, and musical instrument designers in an exploration of modular synthesis, an unusually multifaceted musical instrument that opens up many avenues for exploration and insight, particularly with respect to technological use, practice, and resistance.

Through historical, technical, social, aesthetic, and other perspectives, this volume offers a collective reflection on the powerful connections between technology, creativity, culture, and personal agency. Ultimately, this collection is about creativity in a technoscientific world and speaks to issues fundamental to our everyday lives and experiences, by providing insights into the complex relationships between content creators, the technologies they use, and the individuals and communities who design and engage with them.

With chapters covering VCV Rack, modular synthesis, instrument design, and the histories of synthesizer technology, as well as interviews with Dave Rossum, Corry Banks, Meng Qi, and Dani Dobkin, among others, Modular Synthesis is recommended reading for advanced undergraduates, researchers, and practitioners of electronic music and music technology.

Chapter 3 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license."

The Minimoog Book by Bjooks

video upload by Bjooks

via Kickstarter

"Hi, I'm Kim Bjørn, the founder of Bjooks. We're an independent publishing company at the intersection of music, visual arts, history, engineering, and pop culture. My first book was funded via Kickstarter in 2017, and since then we have done two other successful Kickstarter campaigns and released another four books - seven titles in total. THE MINIMOOG BOOK is our most vital project yet, documenting and delving deep into the iconic electronic instrument that has shaped generations of musicians and songs. We've already spent a massive amount of funds on exclusive photography, research, and production - and we need your help in getting the last bits together to release this important title.

We’re deeply privileged to bring this beautiful book to Kickstarter for our loyal readers and enthusiasts everywhere. Your support in making this labor of love a reality will mean the world to us, the music world - and hopefully you as well :)

Please check out the campaign and select a reward - your support is highly appreciated, and we can't wait to get this visually stunning and informative coffee table book in your hands later in the year.

Thanks,
Kim Bjørn, Copenhagen, April 2024"

Synthesizer Basics by Dean Friedman w/ Sammy the Sawtooth Wave Flexi-Disc

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"A complete guide to electronic music synthesizer function and theory. Includes original flexi disc sample record.

Apart from some minor reading wear, the book is in very good condition. Softcover. First edition, copyright 1985."

See the flexi disc label below for more.

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Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments by Tom Rhea - New Pics

You might remember Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments by Tom Rhea previosly posted here.

Heath Finnie wrote in to remind me of the book and I noticed a few new pics of the inner pages have gone up on the Electronic Perspectives website. I thought they deserved a new post. If you are not familiar with the book, here are some details:

"Forty-five years in the making, Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments contains all of Tom Rhea’s fifty-two influential columns that were first published in Keyboard magazine from 1977-1981. This 400-page tome greatly expands on the original content with updated information and hundreds of newly restored images. Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments includes two CDs of unearthed recordings; spanning multiple eras of electronic music. All in a gold foil-embossed hardcover book, housed in a deluxe slipcase."

Note Tom Rhea helped design the Crumar Spirit with Bob Moog and Jill Scott. He also penned a few classic synthesizer user manuals. You can find additional posts mentioning him here.

You can find the book on Electronic Perspectives here.

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1975 Electronic Music Circuit Guidebook by Brice Ward

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

See previous posts here from some additional info.

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The Ensoniq SD-1 Bible

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SYNTHESIZERS by Devarahi

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This vintage manual is essential for any keyboard synthesizer enthusiast. It contains a complete guide to synthesizers and is specifically tailored to the Devarahi model. The text-based manual provides detailed information on how to operate the synth and all of its features.

This manual is a must-have for anyone who wants to fully utilize their Devarahi keyboard synthesizer. With step-by-step instructions and clear explanations, you'll be able to create the exact sound you want. The book is in good condition and will be shipped promptly upon purchase."

You can find additional posts and details in previous posts here.

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Paul McGowan of PS Audio Explains the Moog Synthesizer

video upload by Paul McGowan, PS Audio

"The classic Moog changed the world. Paul helps us understand what all the wires and modules actually do."

https://www.psaudio.com

Fascinating bit at 1:50. Paul McGowan actually created his own synthesizer, The Infinitizer. Curious if there are any images of it out there. He almost sold one to Wendy Carlos. It gets a mention in his book 99% True: Almost a National Bestseller which you can find on Amazon here (note this is an affiliate link - see the site's privacy policy for more info).

Update: I asked Paul if he had any pics of The Infinitizer. Unfortantely he didn't, and he no longer has any of the parts, but he did send over the following additional info:

"I don’t have any photos of the Infinitizer, unfortunately. I remember a very sad day back in 1995 or so when I was cleaning out my lab and had to own up to hauling it off to the dump (it was a mere skeleton of PCBs, a keyboard, and lots of wires and didn’t work)."

"The idea was to make 10 synthesizers into one unit that was easy to use. This meant it would be the world’s first polyphonic synth, since musicians only have 10 fingers.

I designed a complete analog chain of 10 modules (the usual: VC filters, oscillators, envelope generators, amplifiers, etc.). Then, I hired an engineer out of Vandenburg Air Force Base who was a whiz at this new thing called “digital”. He designed for me a multiplexed keyboard that constantly scanned all the keys looking for ones that were pressed. The keys were all internally numbered and when pressed, the multiplexer would find an available VC oscillator and assign that number to the oscillator. Because we know the number of the key, the appropriate voltage was sent to that oscillator and it produced the appropriate frequency for that key. In order to have the entire keyboard voltage move up and down (like if you wanted to bend the notes or modulate the frequency with a LF oscillator) the master voltage (that got divided by the individual keys assigned to it) could be accessed as one might normally do through the patch bay.

I also wanted to have the keys pressure sensitive so for that, I invented the use of conductive foam under each key (and that too could manipulate the master voltage to the oscillator banks) and could be assigned to modulate any of the other modifiers too. My patch bay was a switch matrix and pots kind of like ARP used to do.

It was a very cool device which I wrote about extensively in my memoirs, 99% True."

-------

As for the first non organ based poly synth, currently that honor likely goes to one of the following depending how you define it:

1975 - Buchla 502 - six voice polyphonic with minicomputer and ability to save patches to tape drive. Development on the 500 series began in 1969.

1975 - Oberheim FVS - four voice polyphonic with Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer. Not sure if the 502 or FVS was released first.

1977 - Yamaha - CS50/CS60/CS80 - first single enclosure polyphonic keyboard synthesizers, with the CS80 to be the first synth with poly aftertouch

1978 - Sequential Circuits - microprocessor control the SCI prophet 10 (briefly) and the P-5 --- again based on existing E-mu tech stuff

via The First Synth to...

Tristan Perich: Pseudorandom

Infinity Gradient Trailer (for organ and 100 speakers) by Tristan Perich - Death of Classical video upload by Death of Classical

Note the above is a video of Tristan Perich's Infinity Gradient performance from March 22, 2022. You'll find details on his new book Pseudorandom, and upcoming performance further below. You might remember Tristan Perich from his 1-Bit synth featured in previous posts here.

Description for the Infinity Gradient performance above: "Composer Tristan Perich has made a name for himself creating sweeping, viscerally overwhelming soundscapes out of armies of 1-bit speakers playing synthesized sounds. We're pleased to present the U.S. Premiere of his newest work, Infinity Gradient, which takes his musical vision to the next level by combining 100 of those speakers with the soul-blasting power of all 7,069 pipes in the Miller-Scott Organ, housed amidst the magnificent Gothic architecture of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and played by the inimitable James McVinnie."



via Tristan Perich:

"Book Release + Performance at Printed Matter, Feb 29

Tristan Perich's Pseudorandom is a companion release to his circuit album Noise Patterns. The new art book is a monolithic, unabridged 1024-page printout of the 16,777,215 numbers that comprise one complete cycle of the 3-byte random number generator from Noise Patterns' code.

Originally released as a circuitboard that plays its music through a headphone jack, Noise Patterns employed randomness at the core of its sound synthesis. However, true randomness is beyond the limitations of any deterministic computer algorithm. Because a digital computer’s memory is intrinsically finite, any attempt towards randomness will eventually exhaust every possible memory value. When those values are used up, the cycle must repeat. What results is termed “pseudorandom” — an approximation of randomness, and an illustration of the vast but fundamentally limited nature of computation.

Join me at Printed Matter on Feb 29 to celebrate the book release, with a solo performance of Noise Patterns + Q&A

Tristan Perich: Pseudorandom Book Release
Thursday, Feb 29, 6pm
Printed Matter
231 11th Ave, NYC
➝ Event Info
➝ Pre-Order"

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Korg MS-20 SN 148727 w/ Original Case & Japanese Synthesizer Book

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Korg MS-20. Fully serviced and sounding fantastic. This is a Japanese 110v original with leather case - step up transformer is included. Full set of patch cables and 1970s Japanese patch book included."

Pics of the book below.

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ARP 2600 OWNERS MANUAL

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This ARP 2600 Owner's Manual is a must-have for any synth enthusiast. With detailed information on how to use and maintain this vintage keyboard synthesizer, you'll be able to get the most out of your instrument. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, this text book guide is an invaluable resource. Learn about the unique features of this ARP 2600 model. This listing is for the manual only. The synthesizer is not included."

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EML ELECTROCOMP-101 Original Owners Manual

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via Tone Tweakers eBay | Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links.
See the site's privacy policy for more info.

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OBERHEIM MATRIX-12 OWNERS MANUAL

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via Tone Tweakers eBay | Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links.
See the site's privacy policy for more info.

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MOOG MICROMOOG OPERATION MANUAL

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via Tone Tweakers eBay | Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links.
See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"This listing is a rare opportunity to buy printed materials that came in with one of the many rare and vintage synths or other pieces of electronic musical gear we normally buy, repair / restore and sell."

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